How I Spent My Field Trip

By: Myles Herod June 14th, 2013

Despite the ominous clouds and a beer-dry evening, Arts & Crafts ‘Field Trip’ was not merely a decade-long celebration of music, but a glorious melding of Toronto culture. Food trucks, art, literature, and loads of porta-potties; unlike so many over-packed festivals, Fort York proved an idyllic landscape for the cavalcade of indie idols who graced the two stages on June 8th.

The Music

Bloc Party

Revisiting gems from their Silent Alarm LP, the London lads also mixed things up with some newer cuts. The bass was deep, and the beats were pulsating. Distinctly British, their sound lends itself well to the likes of a modern-day Joy Division, New Order, or any other post-punk outfit. It’s been subsequently announced that the group will be taking an indefinite hiatus (perhaps until 2016). To those who enjoyed their set, it may be the last.

Feist

Beginning things with an eight-piece ensemble (including Charles Spearin from Do Make Say Think and Snowblink) was a wonderful treat. Leslie and co. spent the first half swooning over her latest offering, Metals; then things got weird. Looping her voice on ‘My Moon My Man’ and treading into psychedelic realms on ‘1234’ proved confounding, albeit bold. Those looking for peace and love where met with electronic meditations on past crowd favs. You can’t blame her for trying, right?

Broken Social Scene

With a press release that stated “one night only”, the die was already cast for something grand. Making things even rarer, the collective group of BSS players took turns at the mic to deliver You Forgot It In People live (for the first time in its entirety). It was worth the price of admission alone. “K.C. Accidental” saw Drew’s dramatic vocals come through, while the spine-tingling “Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl,” found the trio of Lisa Lobsinger, Stars’ Amy Millan, and AroarA’s Ariel Engle combine their vocal prowess on behalf of an absent Emily Haines (really, is Metric that important?). Truly it was a legendary capper to a beautiful day.

The Food

Toronto’s acclaimed food trucks came in droves to Field Trip, giving those with cash to spend some of the City’s tastiest artisan dishes. We spent, we sampled, we rubbed our bellies. Here’s our report.

Buster’s Sea Cove

Octopus Tacos ($10)

Tiny portions, with a meaty serving of cephalopod mollusc. Spiced coleslaw lined the bottom, adding some zip. The hype and price were a little off-putting. It was delicious, though.

Donkey Bites

Jerk Chicken Gyro ($9)

Succulent, zesty chicken, although the bread turned soggy after a minute. Prompt and friendly service.